Grade levels: Adult

Germans have a reputation for being ingenious, precise and efficient. But Valerie finds there is much more to these people when she explores Berlin. A city steeped in history and also on the cutting edge, this European capital has a lot to offer. Find a bargain at the flea market, feel the techno vibe at an all-night party and join in a cabaret act at the famous Wintergarten. Valerie also experiences the war-torn history of this great metropolis through the many museums and remembrance pieces. See what has been rebuilt in the aftermath and what historical buildings remain.

The Mediterranean sector of this beautiful country has had a resurgence in tourism post-war. Many of the historical structures, including medieval double walls and a pharmacy dating back to 1317, still stand today. Dubrovnik is the jumping off point for this episode, but Valerie manages to explore more of the Dalmatian Coast than just this thriving port town of nearly 50,000 people. She gets to the heart of Croatia by traveling to the islands of Mljet and Korcula for a lesson in history and some local wine. She is also treated to a folkloric show in Cilipi, where the locals entertain crowds with traditional dances.

On this program, Valerie gets to know the people who make Ireland an ideal travel destination. Each character she meets is open and willing to share a little part of their life on the Emerald Isle. Follow along as Valerie explores the city of Dublin, where locals drink 9800 pints per hour on the weekend. Tour the same streets where literary greats prowled as they conjured the Ireland we’ve all come to know. Valerie also gets outside the city to see beautiful Powerscourt, with its lush gardens. Both the bustle of the city and the charm of the country are included in this episode, shot in the Republic of Ireland.

The Irish are said to have a twinkle in their collective eye. It may be their sense of humor, a bit of blarney, the appreciation of a good pint or even the anticipation of sharing their country with someone new. One thing is for sure; the Irish make Ireland what it is. In this episode, Valerie has a chance to see Northern Ireland and learn that the Troubles are over, but the message remains. Travel with her as she is awed by such natural beauty as the Giant’s Causeway, the Antrim Coast Road and Yeats Country. The legacy of a nation of authors, independents and sentimentalists bring the trips to Galway and the Aran Island, Inis Mór, to life. Experience, through Valerie’s eyes, the warmth and splendor of Ireland.

Join Valerie Pringle as she discovers the hidden treasures of Panama. In this episode, Valerie finds herself immersed in the diversity of a country known mostly for the Big Ditch. Of course, the Panama Canal is something that has to be seen, and Valerie manages to get an up-close look at this engineering marvel. But Panama is also known for its natural beauty and Valerie experiences a canopy tour of the jungle from an unusual vantage point: a zip line. One of the highlights of this trip is a visit to the Achatupu Kuna village on the San Blas Islands. Among the warm and gracious people of the village, Valerie explores her inner Kuna woman.

In Morocco, old and new collide, yet somehow meld, to create a land that is thoroughly modern as well as steeped in history. Valerie walks among such beautiful architectural and historical sites as the Koutoubia Mosque. She gets lost in the circus of the Place Djemma el-Fna and scours the Medina to find the tannery. You won’t believe what makes Moroccan leather so buttery soft! Valerie explores Fez and Marrakesh, meeting the people- and a few of the animals – along the way. Follow along with Valerie as she journies to Africa.

Lebanon often conjures up images of a war-torn land decimated by fighting, but Valerie discovers there is much more to this part of the world. The Lebanese are hard at work restoring the structures that have been damaged by fighting, and from the ashes rise new buildings. Valerie delves into the long and tumultuous history of a land that boasts the largest and best-preserved Roman Temple anywhere (Baalbek), as well as a city with 7,000-year-old roots (Byblos). Explore with her the visual wonders of the Beiteddine Palace, Pigeon Rocks and the Jeita Grotto. Experience the magic of the land that brought us Kahlil Gibran and continues to guard the Cedars of the Lord. Beautiful and inspiring, Lebanon is one of the extraordinary places included in the second season of Valerie Pringle Has Left the Building.

Eight million people live straddled along the Chao Praya River, the River of Kings. So it is along the river that Valerie begins her trip to Venice of the East, on a water ferry that in Bangkok serves as rapid transit. As Valerie finds, Bangkok is a city of extreme contrasts; the cacophony of gridlock traffic to the serenity of Wat Aran, the Temple of Dawn; from the delicacy and tranquility of ritual dancers, to the exotic dancers and sex trade of Sukhumvit and Kao Sanh Road. Valerie tries the local fare and discovers that authentic Thai food is more than a little spicier than back home.